Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Rucker, AL (2024 Update)
- Fort Rucker Solar Installation Cost: $21,278
- 25-Year Savings: $36,530
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Rucker
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fort Rucker.
In Fort Rucker, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.7-kW system would cost about $21,278 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Fort Rucker that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fort Rucker
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,431 |
| 3 years | $-15,736 |
| 5 years | $-12,040 |
| 7 years | $-8,345 |
| 9 years | $-4,650 |
| 11 years | $-955 |
| 13 years | $2,740 |
| 15 years | $6,435 |
| 17 years | $10,130 |
| 19 years | $13,826 |
| 21 years | $17,521 |
| 23 years | $21,216 |
| 25 years | $24,911 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Rucker
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Fort Rucker, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Fort Rucker
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Rucker
While the average cost of a solar system in Fort Rucker is $21,278, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fort Rucker, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Fort Rucker homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Fort Rucker, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.63 | $15,244 | $20,210 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $27,337 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $34,660 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $42,178 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $49,892 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $57,801 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $65,906 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $74,206 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Fort Rucker, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Rucker?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Rucker is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fort Rucker?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Fort Rucker have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.